Thieves Rob 3 LA Italian Restaurants in Just One Hour-Full Story Inside

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a coordinated group of thieves broke into three locations of family-owned Italian restaurant chain Maria’s Italian Kitchen across the Los Angeles area. Striking within a 60-minute window, according to FOX11, the brazen burglars made off with safes from at least two restaurants, leaving behind property damage exceeding the stolen cash’s value. In this article we talk about Thieves Rob 3 LA Italian Restaurants in Just One Hour.

Quick Succession of Break-Ins

The first alarm sounded around 3 AM at the Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Woodland Hills, prompting operations manager Peggy Gonzales to rush to the San Fernando Valley site. While awaiting police, Gonzales received a call that the security company had detected a break-in at the Encino location. Just 15 minutes later, the Sherman Oaks restaurant also alerted them to a burglary in progress.

Extent of Damage and Loss

“Incredible. They hit all three restaurants in less than an hour, causing damage more expensive than anything we kept in the safes,” said Maddy Alfano, owner of the local Italian restaurant chain. Surveillance footage shows the culprits speeding off with two safes in a vehicle after the coordinated heists.

Cashless Transactions Debate

Many LA restaurants have transitioned to cashless transactions during the pandemic, but Alfano still kept some cash reserves on hand. A proposed Los Angeles City Council bill would require businesses to accept cash payments, to accommodate unbanked groups like the elderly and unhoused.

Councilmember Heather Hutt, sponsor of the cashless ban bill, argues it would build equity. But Alfano contends that most people now have debit cards or can convert cash to gift cards. By potentially fueling burglaries, she believes going completely cashless would make operating restaurants in Los Angeles safer and easier.

Police Investigation and Community Response

The Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating the break-ins and asks anyone with information to contact them. The targeted Woodland Hills site was also burglarized earlier this year, indicating an organized crime ring focusing on the restaurant group.

Resilience and Solidarity

As lawmakers debate cashless legislation and police pursue the culprits behind the early morning crime spree, the family-owned Italian eateries face repairs and reinforced security measures. But the safety of their staff and customers remains priority number one after the unprecedented series of robberies.

Impact on Community and Resolve

Targeting beloved local restaurants, the early-hour burglars stole more than just cash. They took community touchstones, violating the sense of comfort diners expect when breaking bread. But the owners and patrons stand ready to fight back against such brazen criminal acts. I sincerely hope you find this “Thieves Rob 3 LA Italian Restaurants in Just One Hour-Full Story Inside” article helpful.